Dear Senators,

I’m writing to you on behalf of the University of Cape Town’s Palestine Solidarity Forum about the Divestment Bill that lies before you, a Bill which targets companies complicit with and benefiting from Israel’s illegal and inhumane Occupation of the West Bank.

As the rights abuses of the Occupation and construction of illegal Jewish-only Settlements continue to be built, the viability of a Palestinian State for the millions that live there looks increasingly doubtful. With no right to protest, no right to a fair trial and subjection to constant oppression from armed military forces, it is up to the rest of the World, to as you all did for us in South Africa, stand together in solidarity with the Palestinian people and denounce this Occupation of Apartheid principles and policies.

Only through non-violent actions such as selective disinvestment of human-rights abusers, can we effect real change in the region and help the Palestinians gain full human and political rights.

Such companies as this bill targets must not be allowed to profit off the abuses of others and thus I implore you to pass it.

Such a Statement from Stanford University would be huge in the fight to end the Occupation and bring real peace to the region.
Sincerely yours,

Bruce Baigrie

UCT Palestine Solidarity Forum Chairperson

3 March 2013